The Beijing Action Plan, which details the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, has been welcomed by Cabinet.
The FOCAC Summit, co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping, formulated the plan, which aims to build the China-Africa comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership.
During a post Cabinet briefing held on Wednesday, Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane highlighted some of the areas of cooperation agreed upon at the Summit.
“China committed to implementing 10 cooperation plans with Africa. These are in the areas of industrialisation; agricultural modernisation; infrastructure; financial services; green development; trade and investment facilitation; poverty reduction and public welfare; public health; people-to-people exchanges, and peace and security,” said the Minister.
Over the period, cooperation between the two sides will be underpinned by the theme: “China and Africa: Towards an even stronger community with a shared future through win-win cooperation”.
UK and Northern Ireland visit
Meanwhile, Cabinet joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in welcoming the successful working visit by Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
“It will yield improved benefits for South Africa through strengthened bilateral trade and investment. The UK is one of the largest foreign investors in South Africa, with over 650 British firms present in our market. During the bilateral engagements, potential partnerships and efforts were discussed,” said the Minister.
During the visit, Prime Minister May handed over the SS Mendi Bell to President Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa.
The handover commemorates the sacrifice of over 600 South Africans who perished when the SS Mendi sank in the English Channel over 100 years ago.
Zimbabwe elections
Reflecting on the recent elections and the subsequent inauguration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Cabinet congratulated the people of Zimbabwe for successfully transitioning into a new government.
President Mnangagwa was inaugurated on 26 August 2018. President Ramaphosa joined other African leaders in Harare to witness the occasion.
“Cabinet supports President Ramaphosa’s commitment to work closely with Zimbabwe to enhance the historical, political and fraternal relations, with particular emphasis on strengthening economic cooperation,” said Mokonyane. – SAnews.gov.za
